How Houseplants Reduce Stress
A lot of times when we think about houseplants we think of an orchid here or a succulent there— something that adds mostly an aesthetic value. But did you know houseplants reduce stress, too? It’s true! While houseplants definitely do add a lot of beauty and light to any indoor space, there are actually measurable health and wellness benefits that they bring with them, too!
According to a study conducted on over 4,000 people worldwide, having in-home greenery helped to improve the emotional wellbeing of nearly 3/4 of participants. The study, conducted in the midst of the COVID-19 lockdowns, noted that people who kept houseplants during lockdowns experienced less frequent negative emotions than those who didn’t keep plants.
The stress-reducing effects of indoor plants aren’t just constrained to the home.
Studies have also shown that houseplants reduce stress at work, too! Office plants have a measurable effect on stress level and productivity in the workplace.
So, what is it about indoor greenery that helps us feel calm and ease stress?
Why Houseplants Reduce Stress
Rhythm and structure
According to Drew Pate, chief of psychiatry at LifeBridge Health in Baltimore, “watering and nurturing plants can serve as a mindful, calming exercise for many people”. Tending to the specific needs of a plant can be a calming and peaceful respite from our otherwise busy lives. Just taking the time to fill up a watering can, adjust a plant, and simply be present with the little slice of nature you’ve cultivated indoors can give you the space to unwind and be fully present where you’re at.
A caring outlet
Much like pets, houseplants reduce stress by providing a sense of companionship and responsibility for caring for another living thing. Some researchers have proposed that the stress reducing quality that houseplants bring to a home could be due to the sense of purpose they allow us to feel.
Whether you buy your plant when it already has foliage or you raise it from a seed, it’s exciting and rewarding to see how your actions of watering it and caring for it can help it grow. This reward is what may translate to stress reduction and increase in a positive outlook.
The thought behind this, essentially, is something to the effect of “hey, if I can make a tangible difference in the life of this plant, I could make positive contributions elsewhere in life, too”.
These feelings of purpose and drive are especially important in the midst of this pandemic, when so many factors can leave us looking for some sense of contribution and control.
A Biologic Factor
In addition to caring and creating mindfulness, there may actually be a biological effect that indoor plants may have on the autonomic nervous system (i.e. a biological reasons why houseplants reduce stress). A study in 2015 found that interaction with indoor plants suppresses the sympathetic nervous system and helps to lower blood pressure, causing a tangible decrease in stress response.
7 stress-relieving plant recommendations
While it’s true houseplants reduce stress on the mind and body, not all plants were created equal. Some plants may be more-adept at helping to reduce stress responses than others. If you’re unsure where to begin, here 7 plant recommendations for stress-relieving plants to add to your indoor garden.
- Lavender. known for its soothing effects across the health and wellness community and in skincare, lavender’s soothing scent is a great choice to keep in the bedroom to help reduce stress and improve sleep.
- Snake plants. Also known as “mother-in-law’s tongue” for it’s sharp and harsh nature, snake plants are great at purifying the air and are easy to keep alive.
- Basil. A cure for many ailments and a yummy spice to add to any pasta dish, basil plants are also great options for reducing stress hormones and improving mental clarity.
- Rosemary. Rosemary’s intoxicating smell and thin leaves are great for not only releasing stress, but adding to your favorite roasted potato recipe.
- Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera plants are incredibly easy to care for and great for air purification.
- Peppermint. Both the invigorating smell and the menthol found in peppermint leaves makes peppermint plants a great indoor plant to keep.
- English Ivy. Not only is English Ivy a gorgeous, vine-ey addition to your home, it can also help thwart mold and reduce allergens in the air.